Woody Allen, the renowned American filmmaker, writer, and actor, has had a complex personal life that has often been the subject of public scrutiny. When it comes to his children and their names, there are some interesting choices that reflect both traditional and unconventional naming practices.
Woody Allen has five children, some biological and others adopted. Here’s a breakdown of their names:
- Moses Farrow (adopted):
Moses was adopted by Woody Allen and his former partner Mia Farrow in 1980. The name Moses has Hebrew origins and means “drawn out” or “rescued from the water,” referring to the biblical figure. - Dylan Farrow (adopted):
Dylan was adopted as an infant by Allen and Farrow in 1985. The name Dylan has Welsh origins and means “son of the sea” or “born from the ocean.” It’s a name that gained popularity in the 20th century, partly due to the fame of poet Dylan Thomas. - Ronan Farrow (biological):
Born in 1987, Ronan is the biological son of Woody Allen and Mia Farrow. Originally named Satchel Ronan O’Sullivan Farrow, he later chose to go by Ronan. The name Ronan has Irish origins and means “little seal.” - Bechet Allen (adopted):
Bechet was adopted by Woody Allen and his current wife Soon-Yi Previn in 1999. The name Bechet is likely a tribute to jazz musician Sidney Bechet, reflecting Allen’s well-known love for jazz. - Manzie Tio Allen (adopted):
Manzie was also adopted by Allen and Previn, in 2000. The origin of this name is less clear, but it could be a variation of Manzy, which has been used as both a given name and surname.
Woody Allen’s choice of names for his children reflects a mix of cultural influences, from biblical (Moses) to Celtic (Dylan and Ronan), and even musical (Bechet). This eclectic approach to naming is not uncommon among celebrities, who often choose names that hold personal significance or reflect their diverse interests.
It’s worth noting that the family dynamics surrounding Woody Allen’s children have been complicated by personal controversies and public disputes. These issues have sometimes overshadowed discussions about the children themselves, including their names.
In the context of celebrity baby naming trends, Allen’s choices are relatively modest compared to some of the more unconventional names chosen by other celebrities. However, they do reflect a thoughtful approach to naming, incorporating cultural, historical, and personal significance into each choice.
